Patrick Leblanc

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to ask that you vote Inexpedient to Legislate on HB 1240. I want to explain my concern with this bill thoughtfully, because it raises questions about how criminal threatening laws interact with lawful self defense and constitutionally protected conduct. The bill’s use of broad language around the “apparent use of a deadly weapon” creates legal ambiguity that I find troubling. As written, it seems possible that lawful acts of self defense could be interpreted as criminal threatening, depending on how a situation is perceived after the fact. That kind of uncertainty risks discouraging people from exercising their right to protect themselves and their families when they are faced with real danger. New Hampshire’s existing laws, including our constitutional carry framework, already strike a careful balance between public safety and individual rights. I am not convinced that HB 1240 improves on that balance. Instead, it appears to grant prosecutors a wider degree of discretion in cases involving otherwise law abiding citizens, without clear limits or safeguards. New Hampshire has a long standing tradition of respecting constitutional rights while addressing genuine criminal behavior. In my view, HB 1240 moves away from that tradition by placing new restrictions on lawful conduct while doing little to address those who intend harm. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Patrick Leblanc